Mat. La, miss! you don't say so! It's not possible! Look at you!
Con. Indeed, I tell you the truth. I know what hunger is too—well enough. My father was a silkweaver in Spitalfields. When he died, I didn't know where to go. But a gentleman—
Mat. Oh! a gentleman!—(Fiercely.) Why couldn't you be content with one, then?
Con. I don't understand you.
Mat. I dare say not! There! take your basket. I'll die afore a morsel passes my lips. There! Go away, miss.
Con. (aside). Poor girl! she is delirious. I must ask William to fetch a doctor. Exit.
Mat. I wish my hands were as white as hers.
Enter SUSAN, followed by COL. G. CONSTANCE behind.
Sus. Mattie! dear Mattie! this gentleman—don't be vexed—I couldn't help him bein' a gentleman; I was cryin' that bad, and I didn't see no one come up to me, and when he spoke to me, it made me jump, and I couldn't help answerin' of him—he spoke so civil and soft like, and me nigh mad! I thought you was dead, Mattie. He says he'll see us righted, Mattie.
Col. G. I'll do what I can, if you will tell me what's amiss.